Are robotic lawnmowers really that controversial?

When I tell people that I work with robotic lawnmowers, I usually get one of two responses. The first is from excited people who either want one, already have one or know people who do. The other response is "robotic mowers are new-fangled flash in the pan technology" (time and energy saving have no place in the garden). I find this response strange considering that technology and innovation is at the very heart of us as a species.

Welcome to the 21st century people, robotic lawn mowers are here to stay.

Human beings have been looking for ways to make life easier since time began. Cavemen invented the handaxe because bashing things with a dull flint is less effective and more time consuming than it is with a tool made for the job.

The first lawnmower was invented in 1830 by Edwin Budding, who was looking for a way to keep large gardens and sports grounds trim. Innovations continued and by the 1920’s lawnmowers we popular with homeowners who wanted to keep up with the Joneses. Like their housebound brothers (washing machines, hoovers et al), lawnmowers reduced the hassle of chores.

During the late 20th and early 21st century, technology has moved at an extreme pace. The advancements in labour and time saving devices has seen many "luxury" items become the necessity.

As our modern lives get busier, we are looking towards innovation to give us more time to focus on the things we really enjoy. Chores might be at the top of the to do list, but we are getting more and more resentful of the time it takes to do them.

Robotic lawn mowers are a relatively new innovation, but for many, they are already an essential part of daily life. These people are leading the way with beautiful gardens for much less time and effort.

You mark my words, there will come a time when our grandchildren will say to us incredulously, “You used to mow your OWN lawn? How old fashioned.”